Longwood trying to keep suspect massage parlors out of town

LONGWOOD, Fla. — Longwood city leaders are looking to make it tougher for the operators of suspect massage parlors to stay in business in their city.

Longwood Spa is on probation with the Florida Department of Health because deputies arrested one of its therapists accused of getting too intimate with a customer.

On Monday night Longwood leaders decided they want to keep businesses that have had similar issues in the last few years out of town.
   
"I think that is a great idea. If you have a past criminal history you shouldn't be able to set up in a small town or any town for that matter," said city resident Niki Morrell

Channel 9's Tim Barber learned that two similar Seminole County businesses are currently under investigation, accused of prostitution.

Last year there were more than 30 arrests at massage businesses in Orange and Osceola counties alone.

"It is better to keep it away and to not have that there," said resident Genesis Berganzo.

Police in Longwood can now close massage parlors if they're not licensed with the state.
   
The licenses and hours of operation must also be clearly posted in front of the business.

Longwood leaders are hoping the new rules will keep non-legitimate masseuses from coming to town.

WFTV